The major division that resulted in the loss of identity of many Amish congregations occurred in the third quarter of the 19th century.
Between 1862 and 1878 yearly Dienerversammlungen (ministerial conferences) were held at different places, concerning how the Amish should deal with the pressures of modern society.
Nonetheless it moved closer to mainstream Mennonite groups, eventually losing its Amish identity.
During the 1960s, concern rose among some about the lax practice on issues such as the women’s head veiling and cut hair, television, and clothing items.
In contrast to other Amish Mennonites they have largely retained the Pennsylvania German language and other traditions from the late 1800s.
Beachy refused to administer a strict form of shunning against members whose only offense was transferring membership to the nearby Conservative Amish Mennonite congregation.
During the 1940s, a number of other factions emerged in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Virginia from Old Order Amish groups.
Today, the Beachy Amish vary widely in practice, as the constituency is a fellowship with congregational autonomy separate of a governing conference.
Most have retained conservative, plain practices, but this is becoming increasingly questioned, especially in more mainstream churches in predominantly Old Order Amish areas, though not exclusively confined to these regions.
Clothing is also less distinct in these congregations, especially among the men; however, women's dress has become less distinguishable with a tighter fit and the wearing of sweaters or jackets, and coverings undergone abbreviation.
In light of these trends, certain Beachy Amish Mennonite congregations organized into fellowships to retain the traditional emphasis on plain dress and nonconformity to the world, including the Maranatha Amish-Mennonite Churches, Ambassadors Amish Mennonite, Mennonite Christian Fellowship, Berea Amish-Mennonite Churches, and Midwest Beachy Amish-Mennonite who are also called Old Beachy Amish.
[16][17] The most conservative of Beachy congregations use German in services, refuse to have their photograph taken, and dress similar to the New Order Amish.
In 1977, however, some of the ordained men in these churches expressed concern about perceived worldly trends among the Beachy Amish.
Some concerns included members baptized without a true Christian conversion, worldly fads in clothing and lifestyle, and churches conglomerating in communities instead of spreading out.